Andhra girl named astronaut candidate for Titans Space programme in US
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Andhra girl selected as astronaut candidate for Titans Space programme
Dangeti Jahnavi, a native of Palakollu town in West Godavari district, announced that she had been selected as an ASCAN for Titans Space’s inaugural class of 2025. The inaugural mission, scheduled for 2029, will be a Titans Space orbital flight lasting five hours, including three hours of sustained zero gravity.
In a social media post, Dangeti Jahnavi, a native of Palakollu town in West Godavari district, announced that she had been selected as an ASCAN for Titans Space’s inaugural class of 2025.
“I’m going to space… I’m incredibly honoured and excited to announce that I have been officially selected as an Astronaut Candidate for Titans Space-Inaugural Class of 2025,” Jahnavi wrote.
She added that the inaugural mission, scheduled for 2029, will be a Titans Space orbital flight lasting five hours, including three hours of sustained zero gravity.
Meanwhile, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday congratulated Jahnavi on her selection for the Titans Space programme.
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“Heartiest congratulations to Jahnavi on being selected as an Astronaut Candidate for Titans Space’s ASCAN programme, for a mission slated for launch in 2029,” Reddy wrote on ‘X’.
“Your brilliance makes every Indian and every Andhra person proud,” he added, wishing her continued success as she inspires others to dream big.
IT Minister Nara Lokesh also congratulated Jahnavi, calling her journey from West Godavari to NASA’s international air and space programme “a testament to the talent and determination of young Indians.”
What is Titans Space ASCAN Programme?
The Titans Space ASCAN Programme is an astronaut candidate training program by Titans Space Industries Inc. The program trains chosen individuals, referred to as Astronaut Candidates (ASCANs), for future orbital space missions on board Titans Space’s revolutionary spaceplane and orbital flights. The first mission, planned for 2029, will take about five hours and have two orbits of Earth. Throughout this mission, astronauts will have a bit over three hours of continuous zero gravity, viewing two sunrises and two sunsets in orbit. Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh, India, graduate in electronics and communication engineering, will start training in 2026 under the ASCAN program intensively to ready herself for the mission in 2029. The company has a senior management team with deep aerospace experience, including positions of leadership in NASA’s Space Shuttle program and International Space Station flights. Their mission is to democratize access to space and make space travel possible.
Overview of Titans Space ASCAN Programme
Purpose: The ASCAN Programme is intended to prepare future astronauts for short-duration orbital flights, including the first flight of the Titans Genesis spaceplane and subsequent EarthLoop Orbital Cruises.
These flights are intended to offer safe, reliable, and economical access to low Earth orbit for scientific inquiry, human spaceflight development, and space tourism.
Training Elements: The candidates go through intense astronaut training for several years that involves spacecraft systems training, flight training simulations, medical checks, zero-gravity training, space suit use, and high-flying mission training.
The extensive training prepares the candidates for the specialist requirements of spaceflight.
Mission Profile: The first mission, planned for 2029, will take about five hours and have two orbits of Earth. Throughout this mission, astronauts will have a bit over three hours of continuous zero gravity, viewing two sunrises and two sunsets in orbit.
This mission is commanded by retired NASA astronaut and US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr., Chief Astronaut of Titans Space.
Unique Features of Titans Space Missions
Spaceplane Technology: Titans Space is using a Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO), Horizontal Takeoff and Horizontal Landing (HTHL) spaceplane, the Titans Genesis.
This system differs from conventional vertical rocket launchings in that it improves safety (removing explosive takeoffs and stage separations), simplifies operations, allowing quick reusability, and lowers costs by a substantial amount.
EarthLoop Orbital Cruises: In the wake of the first flight, Titans Space envisions regular EarthLoop flights aimed at microgravity research. These missions offer approximately three hours of continuous microgravity, which is ideal for a wide range of scientific investigations in the fields of drug development, biotechnology, and materials science.
By expanding the capabilities and scope of space-based research, the EarthLoop program complements the Titans OrbitalPort Space Station’s extended-duration research.
Titans Space has taken the lead in creating new astronaut roles for expedition, cis-lunar (near-Moon) development, and in-space research and development. These roles reflect the evolving needs of next-generation space transportation and exploration.
Distinguished ASCAN Selection: Jahnavi Dangeti
One of the notable ASCANs chosen for the Titans Space ASCAN Programme is Jahnavi Dangeti, a 23-year-old Andhra Pradesh, India, graduate in electronics and communication engineering. She represents the program’s diversity and passion for STEM.
Jahnavi boasts a strong background in space training and research, such as zero gravity, planetary simulation, and operations of a space suit. She was also the first Indian to be chosen for NASA’s International Air and Space Program.
Her first mission with Titans Space will be a milestone one as she takes part in the first orbital flight, which is a new generation of space travelers. Jahnavi will start training in 2026 under the ASCAN program intensively to ready herself for the mission in 2029.
Titans Space Industries: Company Background
Titans Space Industries, located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was established in 2021 and has 51-200 employees. The company has a senior management team with deep aerospace experience, including positions of leadership in NASA’s Space Shuttle program and International Space Station flights.
Their mission is to democratize access to space and make space travel possible for millions of people around the globe through innovative spacecraft and operational excellence.
The Titans Space ASCAN Programme is a state-of-the-art astronaut training program that prepares candidates for brief-duration orbital missions onboard the revolutionary Titans Genesis spaceplane. It integrates enhanced training, innovative spacecraft technology, and an emphasis on scientific research and human spaceflight advancement.
With flight missions scheduled to start in 2029, the program is a major milestone toward opening up space as being accessible, safe, and affordable, while inspiring a new generation of space travelers such as Jahnavi Dangeti.
Also Read | Who is Jahnavi Dangeti? 23 year Old Astronaut Candidate for Titans Space Mission?
From Palakollu To The Stars: India’s Jahnavi Dangeti Set For Historic 2029 Space Mission
Jahnavi Dangeti, 23, is the first Indian to graduate from NASA’s IASP, an intensive five-day programme held at the Kennedy Space Center. Her mission: a flight to the Titan Orbital Space Station, scheduled for launch in 2029. She will undergo rigorous preparations, including simulations, spacecraft systems training, zero-gravity conditioning, and survival drills. She is also the youngest analog astronaut trained at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Krakow, Poland, where she participated in simulated space missions designed to replicate lunar and Martian environments. The mission, organised by international private space agencies, aims to conduct research aboard the orbital station while advancing human spaceflight collaborations. The young aerospace enthusiast from Palakollu will begin her astronaut training in 2026 under the guidance of retired NASA astronaut William McArthur Jr.
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Last Updated: June 24, 2025, 16:20 IST
The young aerospace enthusiast from Palakollu has been selected as an astronaut candidate for the 2029 Titans Space Mission
Jahnavi Dangeti, 23, is the first Indian to graduate from NASA’s IASP, an intensive five-day programme held at the Kennedy Space Center. (Instagram/mystic_galaxia)
From watching the stars in a small Andhra Pradesh town to training for a historic spaceflight, 23-year-old Jahnavi Dangeti is all set to make history. The young aerospace enthusiast from Palakollu has been selected as an astronaut candidate for the 2029 Titans Space Mission, becoming the first Indian to complete NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program (IASP) and possibly the first Indian woman to fly on an international private space mission.
A Rising Star in Aerospace
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Dangeti will begin her astronaut training in 2026 under the guidance of retired NASA astronaut William McArthur Jr. Her mission: a flight to the Titan Orbital Space Station, scheduled for launch in 2029. She will undergo rigorous preparations, including simulations, spacecraft systems training, zero-gravity conditioning, and survival drills.
Her selection for the elite programme marks a major milestone—not just for her but for India’s growing representation in global space exploration.
Dangeti is the first Indian to graduate from NASA’s IASP, an intensive five-day programme held at the Kennedy Space Center, which includes hands-on training in space science, rocket design, and leadership. As per India Today, she led her team as mission director during the programme, guiding the launch of a mini-rocket as part of a simulation.
She is also the youngest analog astronaut trained at the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Krakow, Poland, where she participated in simulated space missions designed to replicate lunar and Martian environments.
From Small-Town Roots to International Heights
Speaking to NDTV, Jahnavi credited her roots and early fascination with the night sky for fuelling her dreams. “I grew up listening to my grandmother’s stories under the stars. That curiosity never left me,” she said.
Her academic journey took her through a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication at Lovely Professional University, and she has also earned a private pilot licence. She has participated in asteroid-hunting campaigns via the International Astronomical Search Collaboration and actively promotes STEM education for young students in India.
Eyes on 2029
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Dangeti’s role in the 2029 Titans Space Mission could place her among the few Indian civilians to travel to space. The mission, organised by international private space agencies, aims to conduct research aboard the orbital station while advancing human spaceflight collaborations.
As she prepares to embark on this extraordinary journey, she told The Times of India: “It’s not just my dream anymore. It’s the dream of everyone who comes from small towns and thinks space is out of reach. I want to prove otherwise.”
About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M… Read More Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M… Read More
Location : Andhra Pradesh, India, India
First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:18 IST
Meet Dangeti Jahnavi Know Age Biography Date Of Birth State Parents First Indian To Complete NASA Program
Dangeti Jahnavi is a young aerospace enthusiast from Andhra Pradesh’s Palakollu town. She is set to undergo three years of rigorous training starting in 2026 under the ASCAN program to prepare for the journey. She was the youngest foreign analog astronaut and the first Indian selected for Space Iceland’s geology training programme. She has also made notable contributions to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, where her work led to the provisional discovery of an asteroid.
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In a recent announcement shared on social media, Jahnavi expressed her excitement about being selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for Titans Space’s 2025 training cohort. “As a kid who believed that the Moon followed me, I didn’t know it was leading me here. Today, that childhood wonder becomes a part of my reality. I’m incredibly honored and excited to announce that I have been officially selected as an Astronaut Candidate (ASCAN) for Titans Space – Inaugural Class of 2025,” she said.
The upcoming mission will mark a significant milestone for Indian participation in space exploration initiatives. Jahnavi is set to undergo three years of rigorous training starting in 2026 under the ASCAN program to prepare for the journey.
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Who Is Dangeti Jahnavi?
Dangeti Jahnavi is a graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University, Punjab. Jahnavi is also known for her outreach work in STEM education. She has delivered motivational talks for institutions including ISRO and several National Institutes of Technology (NITs), encouraging youth to pursue careers in science and space, reported South First.
Born to parents Srinivas and Padmasri, who currently reside in Kuwait, Jahnavi has also made notable contributions to the International Astronomical Search Collaboration, where her work led to the provisional discovery of an asteroid. She was the youngest foreign analog astronaut and the first Indian selected for Space Iceland’s geology training programme, as per a report on Deccan Chronicle.
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Jahnavi Dangeti: India’s Trailblazing Astronaut Candidate for 2029 Space Mission
Jahnavi Dangeti will be part of a five-hour orbital flight planned by the company. The mission, scheduled for 2029, will be led by retired NASA astronaut and US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr. Jahnavi will undergo three years of intensive astronaut training through Titan Space’s ASCAN (Astronaut Candidate) program. Her training will include flight simulations, emergency survival drills, medical tests, and mental preparation.
A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Jahnavi will be part of a five-hour orbital flight planned by the company. The mission, scheduled for 2029, will be led by retired NASA astronaut and US Army Colonel William McArthur Jr., who now serves as the Chief Astronaut at Titan Space.
Starting in 2026, Jahnavi will undergo three years of intensive astronaut training through Titan Space’s ASCAN (Astronaut Candidate) program. Her training will include flight simulations, emergency survival drills, medical tests, and mental preparation.
“The Titans Space orbital flight will last five hours and includes three hours of zero gravity,” Jahnavi shared on her Instagram page. “It will offer a powerful environment for scientific research and the future of human spaceflight.”
During the flight, the team will orbit the Earth twice, experiencing two sunrises and two sunsets in a single mission.
Jahnavi has already made a mark in the world of space research. In 2022, she became the youngest Indian to complete the Analogue Astronaut program at the Analogue Astronaut Training Centre in Poland. She has also trained in zero gravity conditions, high-altitude missions, and planetary simulations. Earlier, she was the first Indian selected for NASA’s International Air and Space Program.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jahnavi Dangeti (@mystic_galaxia)
For Jahnavi, being part of this mission is not just a career milestone; it’s a dream. “It’s an honour to fly under the leadership of someone with such an inspiring career,” she said, referring to McArthur.
With this achievement, Jahnavi continues to inspire young Indians interested in science, technology, and space exploration.